As a scientist at COP21, I hoped to see a fruitful collision of the climate scientist and climate activist. I expected strong words regarding science and broader social change, but instead found that scientists who understood the problem seemed to think we could fix it without changing the status quo.

Having an energy-efficient home saves the owners money, but they often procrastinate on improvements. When energy companies in Kansas and Kentucky figured out a way to sweeten the deal, the results brought good news for homeowners, contractors, and for the planet.

On November 7, Bill McKibben’s 350.org launched its “Do the Math” campaign and began urging universities to fight climate change by divesting their financial holdings from fossil-fuel companies. Unity College in Maine is the first to take the pledge.